Multitasking on the web frequently requires comparing two web pages simultaneously—such as cross-referencing flight prices, reading research material while drafting an email, or copying references into an online document. Traditionally, users accomplish this by opening two separate browser windows and resizing them across the left and right halves of their monitor. However, managing dual windows clutters the desktop taskbar and requires repeated window repositioning.
To streamline side-by-side productivity, Microsoft Edge includes a built-in Split Screen feature. With a single click, Split Screen divides your active browser tab into two independent, synchronized browsing panes within the same window frame. This guide covers how to enable, navigate, and make the most of Split Screen in Microsoft Edge on Windows and Mac.
Enabling the Split Screen Button in the Toolbar
If the Split Screen button does not appear automatically in your top navigation bar:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the Settings and more menu (the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner).
- Select Settings.
- Click Appearance in the left sidebar.
- Scroll down to the Select which buttons to show on the toolbar section.
- Find the Split screen button toggle and switch it to ON.
A dual-window icon will immediately appear on your toolbar beside the address bar.
Step-by-Step: Using Split Screen During Everyday Browsing
1. Splitting an Active Tab
Navigate to any website (e.g. an online tutorial or spreadsheet). Click the Split screen button on the toolbar (or press Ctrl + Shift + 2 on Windows; Cmd + Shift + 2 on macOS). Your current page will shift to the left half of the window, and the right half will display your recently opened tabs or an address search bar.
2. Opening Links Directly into the Companion Pane
When conducting research or comparing products on an e-commerce store, you can keep your master list open on the left while opening product links on the right:
- Right-click any hyperlink on the active page.
- Select Open link in right screen (or Open link in left screen).
- The link loads instantly in the adjacent pane without replacing your primary reading view.
3. Adjusting Window Widths
Place your mouse cursor over the vertical divider line between the two panes until the cursor transforms into a double-ended horizontal arrow. Click and drag left or right to allocate more screen space to the primary page (e.g. giving 70% width to a video stream and 30% to a reference chat).
Productivity Comparison: Single Tab vs Split Screen
| Workflow Task | Standard Tab Switching | Edge Split Screen |
|---|---|---|
| Online Form Filling | Constantly switching tabs to copy data | Source document and form visible simultaneously |
| Product Price Comparison | Flipping back and forth between stores | Side-by-side pricing, reviews, and specifications |
| Video Lectures & Notes | Audio pauses or requires resizing two windows | Video plays on one side while taking web notes on other |
Helpful Keyboard Shortcuts and Tips
- Unlinking Split Tabs: Click the More options button (three dots) inside the split screen toolbar banner to swap pane positions or separate the view back into two independent browser tabs.
- Saving as Tab Groups: Split screen pairings persist when you pin the tab or add the pair into a vertical Tab Group, allowing you to resume dual-pane workflows after restarting Edge.